Former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. is facing a lawsuit over a personal matter that’s making headlines. Antonio Martinez, the husband of Smith’s alleged mistress, has filed a civil suit against the retired football star in North Carolina. The case falls under the state’s “alienation of affection” law, also known as the “homewrecker law.”
This law allows a spouse to sue someone they believe is responsible for ruining their marriage. According to court documents, Martinez is seeking $100,000 in damages. He has also requested a jury trial. Along with the alienation of affection claim, Martinez is accusing Smith of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Steve Smith Sr., who played most of his career with the Carolina Panthers and later with the Baltimore Ravens, has not made a public statement about the lawsuit at this time.
Alienation of affection cases are rare but still legal in a few states, including North Carolina. To win such a case, the plaintiff must prove that the couple had a loving marriage, that love was destroyed, and that a third party was responsible.